Discover the story of the song > Right Ahead, You Sailor! – Right Away, Great Captain!

The protagonist is singing about his romantic partner, Anna, who has caused him a lot of emotional pain. He's tried to drink away his sorrows, but it doesn't help. He wonders if he should try to be a bigger man, but ultimately he just wants to hurt someone. Later in the song, he talks to a young sailor about the importance of being a responsible parent. The chorus repeats the theme of trying to be a bigger man, but ultimately questioning what that even means.